After a series of disheartening events, a 22-year-old woman named Madeleine decided it was time to adopt a feline friend for comfort and company.

In a post on Imgur, her proud big sister writes about her decision to take a new companion home. She says of her younger sis, “…in the last two years, she lost two friends and our dad. She also went through a rough relationship patch and retired from her professional ballet career.”

When a staff member asked Madeleine if she was sure she wanted an older cat — insinuating that his time was limited — she responded that no animal should have to die in the shelter. So, it was decided: Chester had found his forever family!

Madeleine tells us that, despite his age, Chester is very healthy.

“Happy Chester at the vet for a checkup! All good!”

Image Source: Madeleine

“Honestly, I have never been a cat person,” cat-mom Madeleine admitted to us, adding that her in-laws’ affectionate feline changed her mind.

“I saw him in the corner [of the shelter], and I saw that he was so old, and he was SO fluffy,” she said of the first time she met Chester. “He looked like a teddy bear. I just had to hold him.”

“When I got to spend time with him, we instantly bonded. Wherever I sat, he followed and hopped up on my lap…I had no idea what I was getting myself into with cats, and I didn’t care. I knew I had to have him.”

Now, this gorgeous ginger kitty has settled beautifully into his forever home.

“He is the king of the household. He took about 5 hours to adjust, and now he loves it,” Madeleine told iHeartCats. “He is such a cuddler, and loves to be allowed to cuddle on laps. He loves to play with strings, and yarn. He is very curious.”

“Chester is such a sweetheart. While his face looks ‘grumpy,’ he is absolutely loyal,” she said.

It looks like this silly kitty even has a sense of humor! The photo below was taken the first time Madeleine held him on her lap.

Image Source: Madeleine

We’re so glad that this sweet senior found the purrfect home, and Madeleine has a companion to brighten her days. We wish these two the very best, and we’re thrilled that Chester will never have to set foot inside a shelter again!